Since last fall, Professors Dr. Ben Mortenson and Dr. Bill Miller have been hard at work collaborating with the RAD Society in establishing a ‘GearBox’ location where individuals with short-term and permanent mobility issues can rent and try out equipment in a safe and accessible location.
In November, the project reached a significant milestone, securing an important partnership with UBC Recreation and the School of Kinesiology. With this partnership, the project has gained momentum by securing a physical site to house adaptive RAD (recreational adaptive devices) and to run operations on the UBC Vancouver Point Grey campus.
To celebrate the opening of the new location, the team had their first ride in the rain through Pacific Spirit Park.
With the establishment of an operational site, the team ordered their first piece of equipment, and, on February 28, following renovations to the site, the team launched the UBC Gearbox at the Martha Piper Plaza on the Point Grey campus. The RAD Society’s founder, Tanelle Bolt, was present to showcase some of the equipment and talk about her support for accessible recreation.
This team has received funding to expand upon this work. Check back for updates as the team continues to provide low-cost rental options to individuals facing mobility issues to live independent, active and outdoor lives.